Looking for insight into USAFA Cross Country/Track

Junior interested in USAFA, had a few questions about the XC/track program.

1) How did/do you maintain running fitness during BCT?
2) Do you run/practice twice a day? At what times?
3) How are cuts done for XC? Time trial every year?

Also was looking to see if anyone has the recruiting standards/knows anything about their recruiting process. Relatively sure I can manage around a 4:19/9:19 by senior year, but not sure if this will get me anywhere admissions-wise.

Hi breakitbuyit! My DS is a C2C on the team so I asked him for some info for you.
1) You don't worry about maintaining XC fitness during BCT, you just try to get through BCT. Coach realizes what you are going through. My slender DS gained 17 pounds of upper body muscle during BCT. These were not muscles needed for running and the weight came off easily during the fall. You will have breakout sessions during BCT where you will go to XC practice.
2) During the school year you will have practice every afternoon. My DS also lifts weights in the morning before breakfast.
3) Instead of asking about cuts, my DS said your question needs to be what can I do to best help the team.
You will find the answer to your final question on the cross country (not track) web site. Coach has all the walk-on standards listed. Not sure exactly the times to be a highly recruited athlete. My DS took 10th at the National Championships in his event and was highly recruited.
You do need to keep in mind that the XC and track programs are very competitive division 1 programs. Last year the men were the conference champions in XC, indoor and outdoor track. You may want to occasionally check out USAFA race results (TFRRS is the official website for college results) and see the times they are running. Hope that helps!

Hi breakitbuyit! My DS is a C2C on the team so I asked him for some info for you.
1) You don't worry about maintaining XC fitness during BCT, you just try to get through BCT. Coach realizes what you are going through. My slender DS gained 17 pounds of upper body muscle during BCT. These were not muscles needed for running and the weight came off easily during the fall. You will have breakout sessions during BCT where you will go to XC practice.
2) During the school year you will have practice every afternoon. My DS also lifts weights in the morning before breakfast.
3) Instead of asking about cuts, my DS said your question needs to be what can I do to best help the team.
You will find the answer to your final question on the cross country (not track) web site. Coach has all the walk-on standards listed. Not sure exactly the times to be a highly recruited athlete. My DS took 10th at the National Championships in his event and was highly recruited.
You do need to keep in mind that the XC and track programs are very competitive division 1 programs. Last year the men were the conference champions in XC, indoor and outdoor track. You may want to occasionally check out USAFA race results (TFRRS is the official website for college results) and see the times they are running. Hope that helps!

Junior interested in USAFA, had a few questions about the XC/track program.

1) How did/do you maintain running fitness during BCT?
2) Do you run/practice twice a day? At what times?
3) How are cuts done for XC? Time trial every year?

Also was looking to see if anyone has the recruiting standards/knows anything about their recruiting process. Relatively sure I can manage around a 4:19/9:19 by senior year, but not sure if this will get me anywhere admissions-wise.

Any help is appreciated, thanks!

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I'm a senior now waiting on an admissions decision, and I also run T&F/XC. I would suggest going to the sports camp in the summer if you are able. I went this summer and it was an amazing experience. You get to work with the coaches and Cadets and you stay in the dorms.

Also, at the camp you have the ability to make an impression on the coaches. This can be helpful as coaches can reach out to the admissions office. I'm not exactly sure what this means, but it certainly can't hurt.